The saddest thing about David Brooks' column (Opinion, Jan. 9) is that it seems most people understand the magnitude of our spending problem but few have the courage to actually address it. Some Republicans are still trying but even some of them are reluctant to use their power for fear of being labeled "mean-spirited." I don't understand the selfishness of those who are willing to degrade our country's credit rating and ability to defend itself while stealing from their children and grandchildren's future, and all because of political ideology or a "me first" attitude. We elect politicians to protect and improve our country, not to throw up their hands and watch it decline. They need to get some backbone and do the job we elected them for.

Sherrie Hall

San Jose

World is impoverished by passing of doctor

The Rev. Dr. Herman Hyatt deserves more than a one paragraph obituary.

He was one of the most unusual and inspiring people I have ever been privileged to know.

He did everything possible to take care of his flock, which is why he became not only a physician but also a lawyer and a minister. His entire life revolved around helping others. A pioneer in San Jose's African-American community, he detailed some of the more poignant chapters of his life in his autobiographical "A Cry for Help." He was loved and respected by all who knew him, especially those who worked at San Jose Medical Center.

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The world is impoverished by the passing of Hyatt.

Dr. Richard Hencke

Chief of staff San Jose Medical Center

Small-business owner spoke truth of lockout

I was saddened and disgusted to read a letter attacking Mike Mendez, a small-business owner in downtown San Jose, for speaking the truth about the effect on businesses by the NHL lockout. Your article (Page 1A, Nov. 8) also included an estimate by the Downtown Association's executive director that the nearby restaurants and bars saw a 30 percent drop in business without hockey. That was not because of a strike, it was because the league owners wanted to rob the players of their fair share of the league's $3.3 billion annual revenue.

My hat's off to Mike Mendez, and I hope that letter doesn't hurt his business.

Chuck Alderete

San Jose

Proposed ammo bill raises many questions

It took some digging, but I finally found Sen. Nancy Skinner's proposed bill regarding ammo sales in California and have a few questions/concerns.

1. The bill doesn't define a specific number of rounds that would lead to a report. How many rounds are in a "large number"?

2. The bill calls for a new reporting process to be created and maintained by the Department of Justice. How will this be funded when we're already strapped for cash? Will we see arguments over spending money for education or services vs. tracking ammo sales?

3. Will there be provisions to limit access to this list, or will ammo purchasers find their name and address in a newspaper someday just because they bought ammo?

4. The requirement to restrict ammo sales to licensed dealers is apparently an attempt to stop (or limit) Internet ammo sales. Would this be enforceable? How well has it worked for cigarettes?

5. The 10-round magazine provision will make a large number of legal semi-automatic handguns illegal. Is this the actual intent? Is it realistic to expect widespread compliance by otherwise law-abiding owners?

These questions need answers.

Dave Doyel

San Jose

Prop. 63 not to blame for mental health cuts

The Mercury News editorial "Prop. 63 hasn't solved California's mental health crisis" is a weak attempt at analyzing the benefits of Proposition 63, a measure approved by voters in 2004. You're right to lament California's inadequate mental health services; however, that is the result of massive budget cuts -- $798 million, which you clearly point out in your editorial -- not a result of Proposition 63. Proposition 63 was designed to augment, not replace, existing funding for mental health services. It was also designed as a step toward fixing a broken system by supporting prevention, early identification, innovation and generally better treatment. If legislators found it easier to make cuts to mental health services not covered under Proposition 63, let's place the blame where it belongs: on ignorance, stigma and a lack of compassion and political will.

Dr. Mark Edelstein

Medical director EMQ FamiliesFirst

Wilkinson's cartoon an apt lampoon of NRA

Thank you for publishing former Mercury News cartoonist Signe Wilkinson's brilliant cartoon (Opinion, Jan. 6) lambasting the NRA's suggestion that putting armed guards in every school would keep our children safe. Signe didn't miss a single point. You have to study the cartoon carefully to fully appreciate what it says -- from the two guns on the teacher's hips and rifle strapped to her back, to the combat-ready soldier holding an attack rifle, to the barbed wire prison fence outside, with a tied-up attack dog, to the kid sitting on cardboard box in lieu of a desk. Best touch was the spider-webbed library, containing one book -- "The Second Amendment." Only Signe could come up with a brilliant cartoon that says so much. Bravo, Signe for this gem. We miss you. Philadelphia's gain is our loss.